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Comedy Central Extra
Comedy Central Extra
Comedy Central Extra
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Comedy Central Extra is a European pay television channel that launched in the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2003, then followed by the Netherlands in 2011 where it was available until 31 December 2022. Between 2012 and 2020 it was also available in parts of Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

Key Information

History

[edit]

The channel launched as Paramount Comedy 2 in the UK and Ireland on 1 September 2003 on Sky, and followed soon after on 22 September 2003 on Telewest and 15 October 2003 on NTL. The channel was originally a so-called 'timeshift' service, offering programmes from Paramount Comedy at different times. It later started broadcasting different programming from Paramount, often British.

Logo used in the UK and Ireland until 31 July 2012.

On 17 February 2009, it was announced that both Paramount Comedy 1 and Paramount Comedy 2 would be re-branded as Comedy Central and Comedy Central Extra on 6 April 2009 at 9pm. The name change coincided with the launch of a new programming line-up which included new episodes of Two and a Half Men, The Office and South Park.[1]

On 1 November 2011, Comedy Central Extra launched a localised version in the Netherlands through cable operator Ziggo.[2] Followed by KPN on 15 January 2012[3] and UPC Netherlands on 1 April 2012.[4] Comedy Central Extra has been available in parts of Eastern Europe[5] and between 1 August 2012 and 14 July 2020, in the Adriatic region: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia.[6][7][8]

Some of the programming of Comedy Central Family moved to Comedy Central Extra after the closure of Comedy Central Family in the Netherlands on 31 May 2018.[9] On 10 November 2022, it was announced that Comedy Central Extra would close in the Netherlands on 31 December 2022.[10]

Timeshift service

[edit]

Within the UK and Ireland, a timeshift service called Comedy Central Extra +1 (formerly Paramount Comedy 2 +1 from 2007 to 2009) was launched on Sky on 5 November 2007. The channel reduced its hours to 7pm – 6am on 4 August 2008, as Nicktoonsters launched on 18 August 2008. On 2 October 2012, the channel began to run full-time again following the closure of Nicktoons Replay. Coinciding with the closures of MTV OMG, MTV Rocks and Club MTV on 20 July 2020, the timeshift channel also closed as part of this change, along with the timeshifts for MTV and MTV Music.

Programming

[edit]
Main article: List of programmes broadcast by Comedy Central (British TV channel)

Comedy Central Extra currently airs a variety of American comedy in the daytime. After 10pm, the shows are a mix of American and British comedy.

In January 2007, the channel switched from mainly American programmes to classic British programming with shows such as Seinfeld, Cheers and Roseanne being replaced by Bless This House, George and Mildred and The Upper Hand.

In February 2007, the channel had a 'British Classics' season, with such hits as Spitting Image and Monty Python's Flying Circus.

At weekends, the channel used to screen classic British comedy such as The Upper Hand, Bless This House, George and Mildred, Brush Strokes, Monty Python's Flying Circus, Don't Wait Up and Mr. Bean.

See also

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Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Comedy Central Extra

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Comedy Central Extra is a channel in the and that focuses on programming, operating as a sister channel to and offering a selection of archived and repeated content including stand-up specials, sketch shows, sitcoms, and animated series. Launched on 1 September 2003 as Paramount Comedy 2, the channel initially provided additional slots alongside its parent network, before rebranding to Comedy Central Extra on 6 to align with Viacom's global branding. It is owned by through its Paramount UK Partnership, a with plc that manages several UK-based entertainment channels. The channel's programming emphasizes binge-worthy back-catalogue material, featuring popular titles such as , , Friends, and , alongside movies and late-night specials aimed at a broad adult audience aged 16-34. It has a monthly reach of approximately 1.6 million viewers as of 2025, with a balanced appeal to both male and female demographics, and is available primarily through satellite, cable, and IPTV providers like and . As of 2025, it continues to serve as a complementary outlet for Paramount's comedy library, focusing on evergreen content rather than new premieres.

History

Launch as Paramount Comedy 2

Paramount Comedy 2 launched on 1 September 2003 on Digital in the and , operating as a sister channel to the primary Paramount Comedy service and functioning as a complementary offering to expand content availability. Owned by the Paramount UK Partnership—a between UK and other stakeholders including —the channel aimed to provide additional viewing options for comedy enthusiasts in the region. Availability expanded rapidly to cable providers later in 2003, with the channel joining on 22 September and NTL on 15 October, broadening access beyond satellite subscribers. As a secondary comedy outlet, its early programming emphasized a mix of American imports such as sitcoms like and during daytime slots, alongside relays and classic selections to differentiate from the main channel's prime-time focus. The channel broadcast in the standard SDTV format prevalent for UK digital at the time, with content delivered exclusively in English to target its primary audience in the and . This setup allowed for a consistent standard-definition experience aligned with regional broadcast norms, supporting the channel's role in delivering imported and repeated material without high-definition capabilities in its initial years.

Rebranding to Comedy Central Extra

In February 2009, Viacom announced the rebranding of its comedy channels to align with its international brand, with the changes taking effect on 6 April 2009. Specifically, Paramount Comedy 2, which had launched in 2003 as a companion channel to Paramount Comedy 1, was renamed Extra to serve as a secondary feed emphasizing additional comedy content. The rebrand occurred simultaneously with the main channel's transition from Paramount Comedy 1 to , creating a unified brand presence across Viacom's portfolio in the and . Following the rebrand, Comedy Central Extra introduced new programming blocks featuring popular US imports to bolster its lineup, with and positioned as flagship shows. These additions aimed to provide a mix of sitcoms and , complementing the main UK's focus on premieres and original commissions, while ensuring shared promotional crossovers between the channels. The rebranding integrated Comedy Central Extra more deeply into the Paramount Networks UK & Australia portfolio under Viacom, enhancing synergies with Comedy Central UK through coordinated content acquisition and marketing strategies. This alignment allowed for efficient resource sharing, such as joint rights deals for US programming, to strengthen Viacom's position in the European comedy market. On-screen graphics and idents were overhauled for the launch, with new designs created by Karmarama featuring the logo interacting dynamically with iconic landmarks, such as and the Palace of Westminster, to evoke a playful, localized feel. These idents, typically lasting 11 to 17 seconds, replaced the previous Paramount branding and were supported by a seven-figure multi-platform promotional campaign across TV, print, outdoor, and online media, spotlighting stars like those from against British backdrops. Comedy Central Extra retained its English-language broadcasting format for the and audiences, with subtitles provided in select regions to accommodate non-native speakers where the channel was distributed.

Expansions and regional launches

Comedy Central Extra began its expansion beyond the and following the 2009 rebranding, which laid the groundwork for international growth. In November 2011, a localized version launched in the as the third channel in the country. The channel debuted on cable operator on 1 November 2011, available to all subscribers and featuring a mix of original Dutch productions, international programs, and movies on a 24/7 basis. The Dutch version subsequently expanded to additional providers, including in January 2012 and UPC Netherlands in April 2012. This rollout marked Comedy Central Extra's entry into the market, operated by Viacom's MTV Networks Benelux division. Further growth occurred in the Adriatic region on 1 August 2012, where Viacom International Media Networks launched a localized feed via SBB-Telemach, the largest cable and IPTV operator in the area. The channel reached approximately 1.5 million homes across , , , , , and . By the end of 2012, Comedy Central Extra had achieved peak operational scope across multiple European territories, including the /Ireland, , and Adriatic countries, with availability tied to major cable and satellite providers such as for regional adaptations and language support. In the , following the closure of Comedy Central Family on 31 May 2018, select programming from that channel merged into Comedy Central Extra to consolidate content offerings.

Closures and mergers

In 2020, Comedy Central Extra experienced notable contractions amid ViacomCBS's broader cost-cutting measures during the . The channel's dedicated feed for the Adriatic region—serving , , , , , and —ceased operations on 14 2020, replaced by as part of regional programming realignments driven by shifting market dynamics. Concurrently, the and timeshift service, Comedy Central Extra +1, underwent operational reductions before its full closure on 20 2020, alongside the shutdowns of MTV's OMG, Rocks, and channels, reflecting a strategic pivot toward core linear offerings and streaming platforms. Further consolidations followed in subsequent years. On 10 November 2022, announced the closure of Comedy Central Extra in the , effective 31 December 2022, with its programming integrated into the main channel to streamline operations and enhance viewer access via fewer linear feeds. This merger absorbed select content into Paramount's existing services, prioritizing efficiency in the market without disrupting overall comedy programming availability. As of November 2025, Comedy Central Extra remains operational in its primary markets of the and , distributed via (channel 136), , and other providers, with no announced closures. The channel continues to broadcast a mix of comedy series, specials, and repeats, maintaining its role as a companion to the flagship service. The 2025 merger of and , completed on 7 August 2025 in an $8 billion deal, encompassed Paramount's comedy assets including Comedy Central Extra, but resulted in no service interruptions or closures in core European markets like the and . This transaction positioned the combined entity to invest over $1.5 billion in programming for 2026, focusing on streaming growth while sustaining linear comedy distribution.

Operations

Ownership and affiliations

Comedy Central Extra has been primarily owned by the Paramount UK Partnership since its launch in 2003, operating as part of in a that includes distribution involvement from .<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 61 </grok:render> This structure positions the channel within the broader international operations of , formerly ViacomCBS, which oversees a portfolio of networks including comedy-focused brands.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 46 </grok:render> As a sister channel to UK, Comedy Central Extra shares extensive content libraries, such as acquired US series and original UK productions, along with promotional crossovers like joint advertising campaigns and event tie-ins to maximize audience reach across the genre.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 25 </grok:render><grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 39 </grok:render> In August 2025, completed its merger with , forming Paramount, a Skydance , in a transaction valued at $8 billion that integrated Skydance's assets while preserving operational continuity for international channels like Comedy Central Extra under the restructured entity's media networks division.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 60 </grok:render> This merger did not alter the channel's core ownership framework in the UK but enhanced shared production resources across Paramount's global ecosystem, including access to Skydance's animation and content development capabilities for programming.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 10 </grok:render> The channel maintains key affiliations with major UK providers, including carriage on Sky platforms through the longstanding partnership and availability via Virgin Media's TV packages, ensuring broad pay-TV distribution.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 79 </grok:render><grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 72 </grok:render> Internationally, it has been affiliated with partners such as in the prior to regional adjustments, reflecting Paramount's strategy for localized comedy delivery within .<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 40 </grok:render>

Broadcast availability and technical details

Comedy Central Extra is primarily available in the United Kingdom and through platforms, including satellite, cable, and IPTV services. In the , it is broadcast on at channel 127, while in , it is accessible via at the same EPG position, as well as on and TV. Cable distribution occurs on at channel 154. Satellite transmission for the and feeds is delivered via Astra 2G at the 28.2°E orbital position, utilizing the Ku beam with DVB-S2 8PSK modulation, a of 23,000, and FEC 2/3. As of November 2025, the channel operates on frequency 11,141 MHz horizontal polarization, encrypted with for subscribers, following a shift from 11,627 MHz vertical polarization on July 29, 2025. Earlier in the year, temporary disruptions occurred, with the channel briefly leaving and restarting on 11,141 H in early July before the permanent frequency change. There is no option; access requires a paid subscription to compatible providers. The channel broadcasts in standard definition (SDTV) at resolution with a 16:9 , using MPEG-4 video encoding and English audio tracks. Optional English are available for . Historically, international feeds of Comedy Central Extra in included localized adaptations with primary English audio and in languages such as Polish, Czech, Hungarian, and Romanian to cater to regional audiences. These versions, such as the Polish Comedy Central Extra launched in 2010, supported broader distribution partnerships enabled by ownership, though many ceased operations by the mid-2010s in favor of consolidated English-language feeds.

Timeshift service

Comedy Central Extra +1 was launched on 5 November 2007 as a one-hour timeshift service for the main channel, initially under the name Paramount Comedy 2 +1, broadcasting a full 24-hour schedule in the UK and Ireland via Sky Digital at electronic programme guide position 200. The service mirrored the primary Comedy Central Extra schedule in standard-definition television (SDTV) format and shared the same availability through Sky UK distribution slots, enabling viewers to access the same content one hour later for greater scheduling flexibility. The purpose of the timeshift channel was to provide a delayed rebroadcast of the parent channel's programming, catering to audiences who preferred to watch shows an hour after their original airing time on the main feed. This setup allowed for catch-up viewing without relying on recording devices, aligning with the common model for +1 services in pay television. On 4 August 2008, the channel reduced its broadcast hours to a partial schedule from 7pm to 6am to accommodate timesharing with the newly introduced , a children's channel that launched on 18 August 2008 and occupied the slot from 7am to 7pm daily. Following the replacement of by Nicktoons Replay in August 2009, the timeshare arrangement continued, limiting Comedy Central Extra +1 to evening and overnight hours. The service resumed full 24-hour operations on 2 October 2012 after the closure of Replay, reclaiming the entire slot for continuous broadcasting. This change coincided with broader adjustments in Viacom's channel portfolio, including the shutdown of other niche feeds. Comedy Central Extra +1 was discontinued on 20 2020 as part of ViacomCBS's rationalization of linear channels, with its programming reintegrated into the main Comedy Central Extra schedule to streamline operations amid shifting viewer habits toward on-demand platforms. The closure aligned with the simultaneous shutdown of several MTV-related and channels, reflecting a strategic focus on core brands and .

Programming

Content overview and scheduling

Comedy Central Extra operates as a 24-hour comedy channel emphasizing a blend of acquired international programming and original British content, designed to appeal to a young adult demographic. The channel's programming philosophy centers on delivering accessible, light-hearted entertainment through sitcoms, animated series, clip shows, and stand-up specials, with a structure that balances broad appeal during peak viewing hours and targeted comedy in late evenings. Daytime hours, typically from morning through early evening, focus primarily on American comedy imports, including classic sitcoms such as Friends and , alongside animated series and reality-style prank shows like . This segment features frequent repeats and short-form clip compilations, such as episodes of Most Ridiculous, to maintain a fast-paced, vibe suitable for casual viewing. Advertising breaks are integrated regularly, supporting the channel's commercial model while ensuring seamless transitions between episodes. After 10 p.m., the schedule shifts toward British-produced content, incorporating a mix of original sketches, , and stand-up routines, often alongside select American holdovers for continuity. This late-night block caters to a more mature audience with edgier humor, exemplified by series like adaptations and themed specials. The overall daily cycle operates on a repeating format, with extensive use of reruns to fill the 24-hour broadcast, and occasional themed programming to enhance engagement. Weekends incorporate primetime film blocks, featuring Hollywood comedies and blockbusters such as Legally Blonde 2 and , positioned to draw larger audiences during non-work hours. In 2025, the channel's format continues to prioritize this hybrid mix of U.S. acquisitions, U.K. originals, and stand-up specials, maintaining its core target of viewers aged 16-34 through refreshed lineups that evolve with viewer preferences. The 2009 aligned with a programming refresh to better integrate these elements.

Notable programmes and specials

Comedy Central Extra has prominently featured flagship American sitcoms as core programming, with serving as a post-2009 mainstay after new episodes were introduced during the channel's rebranding to align with expanded comedy imports. The series, centering on the lives of brothers Charlie and Alan Harper, aired extensively in daytime and evening slots, contributing to the channel's focus on relatable family dynamics and humor. Animated satire has been a staple through blocks dedicated to , the long-running series created by and , which delivers sharp via its elementary school protagonists in South Park, . This programming fits into recurring themed blocks that emphasize irreverent animation, often scheduled for evenings to engage younger adult viewers. In line with its blend of international content, the channel incorporates family-friendly animated series such as Bob’s Burgers, which follows the Belcher family's quirky diner adventures, expanding options post-2018 through broader Paramount network integrations. Recent 2025 offerings highlight primetime stand-up specials featuring world-class comedians like Lee Evans, Michael McIntyre, Ricky Gervais, and Kevin Hart, promoted as key draws for upscale audiences in Sky Media packages. UK-produced sketches and commissions, including Guessable and Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains, add localized humor to the lineup, airing alongside American hits like Impractical Jokers and South Park. Special programming events include weekend film slots dedicated to comedy movies, such as Hollywood blockbusters and classics, typically one per weekend to complement the channel's series-focused schedule. These slots provide a mix of feature-length content, enhancing primetime viewing from 17:00 to 01:00.

References

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  2. https://media.info/television/channels/comedy-central-extra
  3. https://identsandpresentation.com/uk/comedy-central-extra/
  4. https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.paramount_uk_partnership.7cee84da5374d297ef0a94f3fcc334cf.html
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  6. https://www.barb.co.uk/monthly-viewing/
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  9. https://assets-corporate.channel4.com/_flysystem/s3/documents/2023-03/ProgrammeDeliverySpecificationFile_DPP-Channel4_v5.2.pdf
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  15. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/viacom-comedy-central-extra-launch-adriatic-357169-356294/
  16. https://www.portal.media-sat.net/2020/07/nicktoons-adria-umjesto-kanala-comedy.html
  17. https://www.tvforum.co.uk/tvhome/mtv-uk-close-3-music-channels-45824/page-8
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  19. https://www.sky.com/help/articles/tv-channel-list-sky-glass
  20. https://entertainment.ie/tv/comedy-central/
  21. https://www.paramount.com/press/skydance-media-and-paramount-global-complete-merger-creating-next-generation-media-company
  22. https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/paramount-skydance-misses-revenue-estimates-first-earnings-report-since-merger-2025-11-10/
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  24. https://a.storyblok.com/f/253875/x/dcea2b3f57/channelguide_flex_mobile_may_25_v2.pdf
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  26. https://www.lyngsat.com/packages/Sky-UK.html
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  28. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/oct/08/tony-hall-bbc-digital
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  30. https://www.digitalspy.com/tech/a112097/nickelodeon-to-open-new-uk-toon-channel/
  31. https://forums.digitalspy.com/discussion/comment/61288178/
  32. https://forums.digitalspy.com/discussion/1028936/music-channels/p410
  33. https://www.skymedia.co.uk/channels/comedy-central/
  34. https://entertainment.ie/tv/comedy-central-extra/
  35. https://www.tvguide.co.uk/channel/comedy-central-extra
  36. https://entertainment.ie/tv/comedy-central-extra
  37. https://cdn.skymedia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Comedy-Central-Extra-Primetime-with-Weekend-Films-Online.pdf
  38. https://www.skymedia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/CC-Weekend-Films-CCX-Primetime-Online.pdf
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